Reclaimed Love: Banished Saga, Book Two by Ramona Flightner

through the skirt. Although mid-October, I gave thanks to the mild weather as I glanced in the mirror at the three-quarter-length sheer lace sleeves. I bit my lip as I studied my reflection, fingering the decorative flower at my left shoulder. I turned, picked up my light wrap and took a fortifying breath that I would survive a party at the Montgomery’s home scandal free.
    I arrived at Savannah and Jonas’s house a few minutes late, worried that Jonas would be annoyed at my tardy arrival. However, as I exited the hired carriage and stepped onto the cobblestone sidewalk ineffectually lit by a dim streetlight, I noted other well-dressed guests entering the house.
    I followed them to the hallway, awed again by its splendor. The immense oak staircase, wide enough for three to walk abreast, was ornately carved in the decorative rococo style. I glanced toward the ceiling to marvel at the decorative plaster medallion encircling the chandelier. White wainscoting on the walls enhanced the sense of light in the windowless room.
    I handed my light wrap to a waiting maid, smiling my thanks. She bobbed and turned to the guest behind me. Upon glancing into the formal parlor, I was surprised to find only a dozen or so people present. Satin-covered chairs and settees were arranged in informal clusters in an attempt to entice guests to sit and converse. However, most remained standing, moving from group to group so as to speak with all present. Waiters in impeccable formal livery walked through the room, discreetly inquiring about before-dinner drinks. I placed a hand on my stomach, trying to calm the fluttering in my belly that I would be expected to interact with the exquisitely dressed members of society.
    I slipped into the parlor, hoping to speak with Savannah. She wore a stunning aquamarine satin charmeuse gown with a design of ink-pressed flowers etched into the delicate fabric. A softer aquamarine tulle border highlighted the scalloped neck of the gown and Savannah’s trim waist. Beginning at the waist, a black lace cutout overlaid the body of the dress in a delicate leaf pattern sweeping from midwaist across her hips to the floor. The dress just touched the floor in front, with a slight train in the back.
    I did not wish to interrupt her, as she was deep in conversation with a tall, dark-haired man in a formal black suit with white tie. Savannah looked up, noticed me standing near the doorway and motioned for me to join her.
    “Clarissa,” Savannah said by way of including me in her conversation. “I am having the most fascinating conversation. Please join us.” She held out her hand to me as I walked toward her. She squeezed my hand in welcome, and I examined her. Her eyes held an impenetrable sadness, but only if you looked deeply and knew that she had not always been this way.
    “Mr. McLeod, might I introduce my cousin, Miss Sullivan?”
    “Mr. McLeod?” I repeated.
    “Yes, ma’am. Mr. Aidan McLeod. It’s nice to meet you,” he said, nodding his head. He looked around the room at the other guests as though looking for someone more interesting to speak with.
    “Brother to Ian McLeod?” I asked.
    His gaze jerked back toward mine, his intense blue eyes now fully focused on me. He squinted and faint lines around his eyes crinkled. “What did you say?” he whispered.
    “Are you Ian’s brother?” When he remained silent, I continued. “Uncle to Gabriel, Richard and Jeremy McLeod?” His blue eyes blazed with emotion, and I worried I had erred in saying their names.
    “How do you know about them?” he asked, tilting his head to the side as I had seen Gabriel and Richard do so often.
    “Gabriel speaks of his uncle Aidan, who was an adventurer. I doubt Gabriel could have imagined a well-dressed society man such as you. If you are his uncle,” I said with a questioning look.
    He nodded a few times, appearing at a loss for words. “Yes, yes, I am.”
    At that moment, Jonas joined us. “Ah, Aidan, I see you have